fearfully.

"Yes, there must be; though not for several days, probably. You know
they can't find Miss Van Allen."

"No. Where can she be? I don't suppose they will ever find her. Why
should she kill my husband? Have you any theory, Mr. Calhoun? How
well did you know this--this person?"

"Only fairly well. By which I mean, I have met her some half a dozen
times."

"Always in her own house?"

"Not always. I've attended studio parties where she was present--"

"Oh, Bohemian affairs?"

"Not exactly. Miss Van Allen is a delightful girl, bright and of merry
spirits, but in no way fast or of questionable habits."

"That's what they tell me; but pardon me, if I cannot believe a really
nice, correct young woman would have a married man visiting her."

"But remember, Mrs. Schuyler, Miss Van Allen did not invite Mr.
Schuyler to her house. As near as we can make out, Mr. Steele brought
him, without Miss Van Allen's permission. And under an assumed name."

A blush of shame stained her face.